Seoul Searching

Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Korea (South Korea). It is one of the world's largest cities with a population of 10 miliion.

The Seoul National Capital Area, which includes the Incheon metropolis and most of Gyeonggi province, has 24.5 million inhabitants,and is the world's second largest metropolitan area.It the country's foremost economic, political, and cultural center. It is home to LG, Samsung, Hyundai-Kia.

In front of Incheon International Airport

Taken in park in front of Cheongwadae which is the executive office and official residence of the President of the Republic of Korea, located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The main building has a hipped-and-gabled roof, which is the most refined and beautiful style among Korean architecture, covered with Korean style blue tiles from which "Cheongwadae" takes its name. Approximately 150,000 tiles compose the roof of Cheongwadae. Each was baked individually, which makes them strong enough to be used for over one hundred years.

Grounds of Gyeongbok Palace which means Shining Happiness. This palace remained the main seat of power for Korea kings throughout much of the time to the present. There is usually a parade here .

Kyeonghoe-ru ("Joyous Meeting") is the largest pavilion in South Korea and has been designated National Treasure #224. Supported by 48 stone pillars and set in a lotus pond, the pavilion was a favored place for the King to entertain visiting dignitaries.

Keunjeong-jeon, the royal throne hall is Korea's largest surviving wooden structure. Kings conducted state affairs, held official functions, and received foreign envoys here. Built in 1394, high ranking officials assembled in this court to pay respect to their kings.

Stopping by at Ski Outfit Rentals on the way to Jisan Ski Resort

Jisan Ski Resorts opens at 7am and closes at 11pm. There are 10 slopes to ski and has 4 lifts. A certificate is given after the tour to this resort. This can be very very slippery ... careful!

Let it snow ... let it snow !! Brrrr ... so this is how it feels . Postcard perfect ... but in real life - not for me.

I told these guys I'm an actress in the Philippines ...

Best food in Korea ... Korean Barbeque . Yum-O! Korean barbecue (gogi gui) refers to the Korean method of grilling beef, pork, chicken, or other types of meat. Such dishes are often prepared at the diner's table on gas or charcoal grills that are built into the center of the table itself. The most typical form of Korean barbecue is galbi made from marinated beef short ribs. After grilling, place the sauce on the meat and wrap it in lettuce. Must try!!!

EVERLAND - Korea's largest theme park.




Seeing the Dancing Bear @ Zoo-Topia aboard the Safari Bus.

The "Liger" - a hybrid cross between a male lion (Panthera leo) and a tigress (Panthera tigris), hence has parents with the same genus but of different species

Everland Parade



Characteristics & Records of T Express (2008)
South Korea's first wooden roller coaster
World's steepest wooden roller coaster (77 degrees)
Drop : 57m (7th in the world)
Attraction time : 3min 00sec (the longest in Asia, 7th in the world)
Air time : 12 times (the most air times in South Korea)
Altitude : 56m (the highest in Asia, 3rd in the world)
Maximum Speed : 104km/h (the fastest in Asia, 8th in the world)
[+] Gravity Force : 4.5g
[-] Gravity Force : -1.2g


Skyline Ride - Ski Lift to take you from one section to another




The Royale Jubillee Carousel from the movie, My Sassy Girl




Korean Chicken Ginseng Soup - my least favorite food.Samgyetang is a Korean chicken soup with Korean ginseng, dried jujube fruits, garlic, ginger, glutinous rice, and sometimes other medicinal herbs. It is held to be not only a cure for physical ailments but a preventer of sickness.


Amethyst Factory

Doota, one of the shopping malls in Dongdaemun (DDM) Market Area. Shopping at Night ...

By day ... Shopping ... more shopping . This is life!



Lotte World - world's largest indoor theme park.




There is an outdoor amusement park called Magic Island.



It is connected by a monorail. If you don't have the time to spend the whole day in this park, ride the monorail and you will see the whole theme park.



Detained for shopping too much


Lunch aboard this ship ...

Good looking pirates on the loose

Korean Traditional Costume (Hanbok) - The top part called a jeogori is blouse-like with long sleeves with the men's version being longer, stretching down to the waist. Women wear skirts (chima) while men wear baggy pants (paji). Commoners wore white, except during festivals and special occassions such as weddings. Clothes for the upper classes were made of bright colors and indicated the wearer's social status. Various accessories such as foot gear, jewelry, and headdresses or hair pins completed the outfit.

Seoul Palace Hotel - good place to stay. Highly recommended.

TRIP TIPS:
1. During the cold months do bring thermal wear - to be worn inside your clothes and your coat. Invest on a Debenham's or M & S.

2. Leather Boots with fleece lining - a good thing to own. See your nearest Zara Store. Should have rubber sole as well.

3. Lip balm on your purse.

4. Mittens, gloves and beanies - a must!

5. Never leave Korea without tasting their Authentic Korean Barbeque.

6. Though not known for shopping ... it is one good place for this. Koreans are thin so the plus size women will have a hard time. I like their stuff better than HK. Walking in their street is like walking on a catwalk ... people have a good fashion sense.

7. Be careful on the ski slopes ... very dangerous.

Getting there:

1. Cebu Pacific
2. PAL
3. Korean Air

Seoul ... it is an old soul with a modern twist. Full of surprises and adventures. It is a country with a strong cultural traditions but managed to welcome the rest the world without having to compromise its essence. Seoul - good for your soul!